A recent study by Adelaide medical researchers has identified a possible
link between the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome and an antibody in the
blood which interferes with nerve transmission.

Dr Maureen Rischmueller, consultant rheumatologist in the Department
of Rheumatology at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital said, "Sjogren's syndrome
is a common auto immune rheumatic disease affecting up to one percent of
the population, predominantly women.

"It is typified by severe dryness of the eyes and mouth with accelerated
dental caries, often in association with fatigue, muscle and joint pains,
swollen glands and other widespread complaints."

Results of the study published this week in the international journal
Arthritis and Rheumatism, demonstrate for the first time that antibodies
found in the bloodstream of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome bind
to the receptors of small nerve endings found in glandular structures and
other organs, and have the effect of blocking transmission through these
nerves.

Sjogren's syndrome sufferer, Mrs Dorothy Russian, aged 57 and participant
of several of the group's previous research studies said, "I have suffered
from severe dryness of the mouth and eyes since I was 33 and my problem
wasn't diagnosed until I was 46. I think it's great to hear that progress
is being made into finding its cause."

Since her diagnosis and subsequent participation in TQEH and FMC Sjogren's
syndrome research clinics, Mrs Russian has learned that previous problems
such as a swelling in her cheek and lung congestion were in fact complications
of her condition.

"I have learned a great deal about Sjogren's syndrome. I now attend
meetings of the Arthritis Foundation of South Australia Lupus/Scleroderma/Sjogren's
group which has confirmed for me that all people with Sjogren's syndrome
are different, with a broad range of symptom type and severity."

Mrs Russian now believes that Sjogren's syndrome is much more common
than she was initially led to believe and although her involvement in Sjogren's
research studies may not be of direct benefit to her, she said, "I am relieved
when research tests reveal the absence of major complications and I hope
that others may be helped by my effort in the future."

Dr Rischmueller and associates Dr Sally Waterman and Professor Tom Gordon,
Department of Immunology, Allergy and Arthritis, FMC hope to obtain major
funding to continue their work into this debilitating illness, the results
of which will also aid in the understanding and treatment of other autoimmune
diseases.

The current study was carried out in collaboration with the North Western
Adelaide Health Service, Adelaide University and the Flinders Medical Centre.

Photo available from:
rob.morrison@adelaide.edu.au

Media Note: Dr Rischmueller is available for interviews as is Mrs Russian.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Adelaide
University for journalists and other members of the public. If you wish
to quote from any part of this story, please credit Adelaide University
as the original source. You may also wish to include the following link
in any citation:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/07/000718032317.htm